Comfrey

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Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) PAs are absorbed from the intestine and reach the liver via the portal vein, where they are metabolized by esterase enzymes that release the free necine base. These reactions occur with both saturated and unsaturated PAs and are not part of the toxic reactions. On the contrary, they lead to a detoxification of toxic PAs. Liver enzymes are also able to transform PAs to less toxic forms by increasing their water solubility.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts

Fine white clay and arrowroot powder are the moisture-absorbing components, and finely ground comfrey and other herbs are added for their soothing qualities. Other ingredients to look for in a powder, says Dr. Miller, are St. John's wort, calendula, and usnea (sometimes known as old man's beard) as well as vitamins E and A. Chickweed Smooth on a thin layer of soothing cream twice a day.

A member of the forget-me-not family, this fuzzy-leaved plant has long been prized for its ability to help wounds heal. Comfrey's common names, knitbone and boneset, attest to its historical use as an aid to mending broken bones. Its wound-healing properties are at least partly due to a chemical in the herb called allantoin that helps speed healing. Germany's Commission E, which evaluates herbs for safety and effectiveness, endorses use of the herb for bruises.

The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America Francois Couplan, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Russian comfrey (m.a.). Verbejvaceae Avicennia germinans (G-F 5) Black Mangrove After Abu Senna, an Arab physician in the Middle Ages. (= A. nitida) Gulf Coast - Fla. to Tex., Mex. The sprouting seeds are said to be edible after thorough cooking. They are very bitter and toxic in the raw stage. Salt can be gathered from the surface of the leaves. The kernels of the fruits of another species are used as food in Southeast Asia. Callicarpa (D 4) Beauty Berry From the Greek "kallos," beauty, and "karpos," fruit: beauty fruit. E. U.S., Mex. Both native and species introduced from Eurasia.

Eurasia in N.Am. - are edible as well, as are those of the cultivated Russian comfrey (m.a.). Verbejvaceae Avicennia germinans (G-F 5) Black Mangrove After Abu Senna, an Arab physician in the Middle Ages. (= A. nitida) Gulf Coast - Fla. to Tex., Mex. The sprouting seeds are said to be edible after thorough cooking. They are very bitter and toxic in the raw stage. Salt can be gathered from the surface of the leaves. The kernels of the fruits of another species are used as food in Southeast Asia.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Look for creams, salves, or suppositories that contain combinations of soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent herbs such as calendula, comfrey, chamomile, lavender, St.-John's-wort, and plantain. Distilled witch hazel is also an excellent astringent that shrinks swollen hemorrhoids and controls bleeding (do not take internally, though). And cypress essential oil may help shrink swollen veins and reduce bleeding. Hemorrhoids EMORRHOIDS. THEY EVEN SOUND AWFUL. But more than half of in the anal area may also be present.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Comfrey root (Symphytum officinalis) and coltsfoot flower (Tussilago farfara) contain substances called "pyrrolizidine alkaloids" (PAs) that can cause obstructive liver damage. They have been shown to cause veno-occlusive disease, endothelial cell glutathione depletion, central vein necrosis, thrombosis, and fibrosis, all very serious conditions. It is probably safe to consider these herbs for short-term internal use under expert medical guidance in certain cases, but long-term use should be avoided.

Fortunately, some companies, such as Herb Pharm, now make pyrrolizidine-free comfrey. This can be used safely and confidently for longer periods of time. The herb extracts (which contain PAs) are run through an ion exchange bed that removes the PAs. The finished extract contains less than 1 ppm of PAs. Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) contains furanoditerpenoids, chemicals that have been shown to cause hepatitis, hepatocyte glutathione depletion, and apoptosis. In other words, it can severely damage your liver.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Salves containing comfrey can be spread on blisters as needed. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) The yellow or orange flowers of this common garden herb are wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. You'll see calendula as an ingredient in many first-aid creams. It makes a wonderful, skin-healing infused oil. Use commercial products as directed on the package or as needed. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) In addition to having wound healing properties, chamomile is also antiinflammatory and antiseptic.

Repeat four times per day or as needed. comfrey is contained in many commercial first-aid salves,- apply these as the manufacturer recommends. Tea (Camellia sinensis) Both green and black tea contain tannins, astringent compounds that help shrink swollen tissue and narrow blood vessels. Here's a simple remedy: Grab a tea bag (plain old black or green tea), moisten it with water, and slap it on your bruise. Herbalist Sunny Mavor, coauthor of Kids, Herbs, and Health, says she always keeps tea bags in her first-aid kit. She finds them a handy remedy for black eyes, among other mishaps. St.

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine Simon Mills and Kerry Bone See book keywords and concepts

The effects of comfrey derived pvrrolizidine alkaloids on rat liver. Pathology 1991; 23(1): 35-38 7. White RD, Swick RA, Cheeke PR. Effects of microsomal enzyme induction on the toxicity of pyrrolizidine (senecio) alkaloids. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 1983; 12(4): 633-640 8. Yan CC, Cooper RA, Huxtable RJ. The comparative metabolism of the four pyrrolizidine alkaloids, seneciphylline, retrorsine, monocrotaline, and trichodesminc in the isolated, perfused rat liver. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 1995; 133(2): 277-284 9. Datta DV, Khuroo MS, Mattocks AR et al.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

Other useful topical treatments include plantain leaf (from your yard), comfrey ointment, aloe vera gel and Triphala Powder. These herbs can also help relieve sunburn. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly, and inflamed elevated areas (papules and plaques) of various sizes. It affects up to 2% of all people in the United States. Psoriasis often follows a pattern of relapse and remission. It can vary from a few small patches to an almost complete covering of the skin.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

In the case of puncture wounds, however, do not apply herbs that hasten wound closure, such as comfrey or aloe, because rapid closure seals in microbes. Instead, choose herbs with antimicrobial properties to fight infection,- let the wound gradually close. Drug Treatment For superficial cuts and scrapes, you won't need to take any drugs by mouth—unless the wound becomes infected. In that case, it may require oral antibiotics. But there are some drawbacks to a few of the usual first-aid remedies you may have learned about. Hydrogen peroxide.

Viral Immunity J. E. Williams, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Good sources of chlorophyll include green tea; all leafy green vegetables like spinach and chard; leafy green herbs like comfrey, dandelion, borage, and lemon grass; the young shouts of wheat, rye, and barley grasses; and many green and blue-green algae. Many aquadc algae, like chlorella and spirulina, provide chlorophyll and other important nutrients necessary for health. Commercially, chlorophyll comes as a concentrated liquid, in pressed tablets, capsules, lipid-bound concentrates in softgel capsules, and powders that are to be mixed with water.

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

These are referred to as Yin tonics (see chapter on "Diagnosis and Treatment"), the most valuable being the seaweeds (kelp and Irish moss), alfalfa, comfrey and dandelion leaf. Others, in addition to providing some of these nutrients, act to balance and stimulate the energy of the organs, improving their ability to assimilate and utilize nutrients. These are the Yang tonics, the most valuable being the Chinese root tonic herbs (see chapter on "West-em Herbs"), burdock, dandelion, parsley, Oregon grape root and goldenseal root.

Viral Immunity J. E. Williams, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

The German commercial preparation, Herpilyn contains a 70:1 concentration of lemon balm extract with 1 percent allantoin from the comfrey plant. It is safe to use long-term and is applied to the lips two to four times daily. Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus niruri, P. amarus, P. urinaria): Phyllanthus is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is found in tropical South America and Asia. It is one of the most effective herbal antivirals. The Indian variety, Phyllanthus niruri used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, has been extensively studied for the treatment of hepatitis B.

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

The herbs used in the bolus may include astringents such as white oak bark or bayberry bark; demulcent healing herbs such as comfrey root or slippery elm; and antibiotic herbs such as garlic, chaparral or goldenseal. Goldenseal is particularly useful because it is a specific for treating mucous membranes and combines astringent, tissue healing and antibiotic effects. The bolus is usually applied at night, and the cocoa butter will melt due to the body heat, releasing the herbs. Take precautions to protect clothing and bedding, and rinse away the residue the following morning.

The douche is made by preparing a strong tea using herbs such as goldenseal, plantain, uva ursi, comfrey, white oak bark or yellow dock. A small amount (one or two tablespoons per quart) of vinegar or yogurt may be added to promote acid balance. The douche is best applied in the bathtub or on the toilet, but never have the bag more than two feet above the hips. The herbal douche is slowly and gently inserted while still warm (body temperature) and retained for a period of ten to twenty minutes, if possible.

So far I have made naturally fermented wines with comfrey, valerian, yarrow, lavender (delicious!), and angelica, to name only a few. The basic method is to decoct hard roots and barks or infuse aromatic leaves and flowers using at least one half to one pound of the substance to a gallon of water. Allow this to cool to less than 100°C, and dissolve three pounds of honey or raw sugar to each gallon of liquid.

Anticatarrhal herbs include: black pepper, cayenne, ginger, sage, cinnamon, anise, gota kola, mullein, comfrey, wild cherry bark and yerba santa. Antipyretics: Cooling herbs used to reduce or prevent fevers. Substances with strong cooling properties are called refrigerants. Cooling may refer to neutralizing harmful acids in the blood (excess heat) as well as reducing body temperature. Antipyretics include: alfalfa, bone-set, basil, gota kola, skullcap, chickweed and the seaweeds. Antiseptics: Substances that can be applied to the skin to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Begin each day of the fast with an herbal enema using a tea of raspberry, comfrey or catnip leaf. Eat a small bowl of brown rice three times a day with no additional liquids. For a more effective fast, eat only one bowl of rice a day, taking a tablespoon whenever there is strong hunger, chewing it very well. No other foods or drinks are to be taken during the four day fast. However, this method of fasting may cause a mild constipation and if this occurs a small bowl of stewed prunes may be taken once each day.

The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America Francois Couplan, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Cynoglossum (G 4) Hound's Tongue, Wild comfrey Greek name of various plants, from "kyon, kunos," dog, and "glossa,' tongue: alluding to the shape of the leaves in some species. Throughout. Both native and species introduced from Eurasia. The roots of C. grande, great hound's tongue - Calif, to Wash. - were rep )rt-edly cooked and eaten by some California Indians. The leaves of C. officinale - naturalized from Eur. - are said to have b sen used raw in salads in Switzerland.

Russian comfrey, S. xuplandicum) is often grown in gardens for its medicinal properties, as a vegetable, as green manure and for its beneficial properties to the plants. It is locally naturalized on our continent. The young leaves are edible raw. Their texture and taste are pleasant. But they become hairy and rough with age and need to be cooked. They are mucilaginous and make good soups and delectable fritters. Young stems and petioles can be eaten raw, but were formerly often blanched like asparagus.

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Ulcers and Sores General Herbal Treatment: For ulcers and sores that are difficult to heal, make a powder of equal parts turmeric root, philodendron, comfrey, and coptis and apply it topically. Urinary Stones General Herbal Treatment: For the pain of urinary stones, combine 12 grams of talcum and 4 grams of cinnamon twigs with 9 grams each of polyporus, poria, plantain seed, and alisma.

Healing Your Child: An A-Z Guide to Using Natural Remedies Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law See book keywords and concepts

Take Vitamin A- and C-rich herbs such as Mullein, Parsley, Burdock, Rosehip, comfrey, Yarrow, and Licorice. HOMEOPATHIC As homeopathy deals with specific symptoms, please check under the relevant heading (e.g., Cough, Nose—Congestion, Throat). For recurrent colds, or to help prevent a cold during the winter months, see Resistance and Immunity, page 19. CELL SALTS Calc Phos: Chronic tendency to take cold. Calc Sulph: If sore throat is first sign of cold. Ferr Phos: Fever, dry nose, shivering, child can't get warm.

Homeopathic Medicine at Home: Natural Remedies for Everyday Ailments and Minor Injuries Maesimund B. Panos, M.D. and Jane Heimlich See book keywords and concepts

She then applied a dressing of shaved thin slices of comfrey root, and bandaged it. Healing was prompt, and on the patient's next visit, his heel looked normal. When a sprain causes joints to become hot, swollen, and painful, Rhus toxicodendron, made from the poison ivy plant, will help. Rhus tox. is often called the "rusty gate" remedy. A person who needs the remedy feels creaky on first movement and better when limbered up. Rhus tew., like Ruta, is often a good remedy to follow Arnica after Arnica has done all it can. I experienced this on a recent trip to Greece.

Symphytum is made from the plant comfrey, which the ancient physicians called "knit-bone." You can take this "knit-bone" internally or apply S;ymph)>tuTn lotion as a dressing or ointment. A colleague, Dr. Marion Belle Rood, told me how effective Symphytum was in treating a patient with a jump fracture. This is a type of fracture of the small bones of the foot which includes disruptions of tendons and ligaments. The patient fell from a high wall and landed on his feet, shattering one heel. Dr. Rood gave him Symphytum and reshaped the heel gently in her hands.

Herbs for Health and Healing Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts

Skin-Healing Poultice 1 handful fresh comfrey or plantain leaves lh cup water TO. Place ingredients in a blender and mix into a thick slurry. Spread on wound, holding the poultice in place. Leave poultice on for 20 to 60 minutes. It will be messy, but it will be effective. To store this poultice for future emergencies, freeze it in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a plastic bag or freezer container. When you need a poultice, thaw out a cube in a pan. Infected cuts and scrapes sometimes call for internal as well as external action, especially if an infection is more than skin-deep.

She chose one that contained comfrey and calendula. A month passed and I forgot about Laura, until I received an order for more salve and some traditional herbs used as a tea for the liver, such as burdock, yellow dock, sarsaparilla and dandelion. Then, one day in the fall, I was at a laundromat sorting clothes when a slender woman wearing a spaghetti-strap blouse practically jumped over my laundry cart, spilling my clothes in the process. She gave me a huge bear hug. As she stepped back, wearing a huge smile, I saw that it was Laura, thanking me for helping her.

Soaking them in herbal teas or oils of comfrey, oat straw and horsetail strengthens nails and cuticles, the thickened skin at the base of your fingernails. For fungal problems, first soak your nails in the Antifungal Vinegar (see page 332), then follow by rubbing in the Nail Soak Oil. Nail Soak Oil 2 tablespoons jojoba oil 4 drops each lavender and sandalwood essential oils TO Combine ingredients. Soak nails in mixture for 10 minutes. Buff nails to stimulate circulation and bring out a healthy shine.

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